Demand for Public Transportation is at an all-time high throughout much of our region. It’s often standing room only on Vermont’s most popular commuter buses. But meeting the demand isn’t easy in a time of declining revenues and competing transportation needs. We talk about the challenges with Chris Cole, the General Manager of the Chittenden County Transportation Authority, and with Rep. Sue Minter, a public transportation advocate who sits on the House Transportation Committee. We also hear from VTrans Communications Director John Zicconi about the transportation agency’s efforts to enhance public transit in Vermont. (Listen)
Also on the program, we hear about an environmental
institute in Israel that brings together future Arab and Jewish leaders
to tackle environmental problems and promote peace in the Middle East.
Our guests include a student at the institute, and Rabbi Michael Cohen of Manchester, Vermont, who serves as the institute’s Director of Special
Projects. (Listen)
LISTENERS COMMENT ON PUBLIC TRANSIT
From Joan Marie in Northfield
This is an important topic for Vermont
residents. I live in Northfield
where there is no bus service, although in the past it was possible to pre-pay
for a bus ride to the Burlington
airport, for example. through Green Mountain
Bus Service. Now there is absolutely no way to get there, or even to Montpelier,
other than by car, and leaving a car in an airport parking lot is costly! This
town has a large university and students either drive, even very short
distances, or go
nowhere.
What about serving this part of the state, then?
From Leslie in Vergennes
I would love to take the bus from
Vergennes to Williston each day, but the schedule does not work for me.
Can we get any more busses on that route?